Maine State Troopers BLUE Ribbon Relay to Strengthen ALL Families in Maine

Maine’s State Troopers will again partner with community agencies and other law enforcement personnel in their FIFTH Annual “Blue Ribbon Relay” to the State House next week.

Hancock County families and community members are invited to join Downeast Health Services, children in the Down East Family YMCA child care, and Maine State Troopers for a rally celebrating prevention. The children will plant a garden of “Pinwheels for Peace”, share a story, and provide refreshments for our prevention partners on March 25th, 2008, 8:30am-9:15am, at the Down East Family YMCA, State Street, Ellsworth. The children will also present the Troopers with a piece to a puzzle. The puzzle, when assembled in Augusta, will form a blue ribbon – one symbol for child abuse and neglect prevention.

Later that day, Maine Troopers will arrive at the State Capital at 1:30pm where a rally will be held in the Hall of Flags. Governor Baldacci is expected to declare April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Maine, and several other key speakers will speak to advocates about the need for and value of prevention efforts, including Jan Clarkin, Executive Director for the Maine Children’s Trust. Child Abuse Prevention Councils will display their programs and be available to answer questions or provide resources and referrals.

Child Abuse Prevention Month in April is an opportunity to focus on “Promoting Healthy Families in Your Community”. This is also an opportunity to share our appreciation for the caring efforts by our local and state law enforcement members engaged in assisting local families.

Jan Clarkin said, "The Maine Children's Trust and the Child Abuse Prevention Councils of Maine are co-sponsoring the relay to bring awareness that child abuse and neglect is preventable and happens at the community level. Prevention efforts such as parent education, home visitation and parent groups give families the support they need to stay together and care for their children in their homes and communities."

Please contact Candy Eaton at 667-5304 ext. 261, or via email: children@downeasthealth.org if you wish to participate in the March 25th event in Ellsworth or for more information about prevention activities. Throughout March and April, the Hancock County Children’s Council, a program of Downeast Health Services Inc, will provide several opportunities for parents and professionals to learn how to support prevention efforts and promote protective factors associated with the prevention of child maltreatment.

Parents with a social network of emotionally supportive friends, family and neighbors often find that it is easier to care for their children and themselves. Most parents need people they can call on once in a while when they need a sympathetic listener, advice, or concrete support. Research has shown that parents who are isolated, with few social connections, are at higher risk for child abuse and neglect.

Some parents may need to develop self-confidence and social skills to expand their social networks. Helping parents identify resources and/or providing opportunities for them to make connections within their neighborhood or community may encourage isolated parents to reach out..2008 Resource Packet

To learn more about promoting healthy families in your community, please contact Candy Eaton at the Hancock County Children’s Council, 667-5304 ext. 261 or email: children@downeasthealth.org.